Glucosinolates In Seeds Research Articles

Сорт рапса ярового Баланс

The variety Balance was developed by intraspecific hybridization of the variety Viking-VNIIMK and breeding line No 4801 with subsequent selection by self-pollination in 2012–2022 at V.S. Pustovoit All-Russian Research Institute of Oil Crops. In competitive trials, the variety Balance (No 1015) was characterized by consistently high seed yield – 1.49–3.24 t/ha – and exceeded the standard variety Tavrion on average over five years by 0.20 t/ha. In terms of seed oil content, the variety Balance was 0.7 % lower than the standard variety Tavrion but exceeded the standard in oil yield by 0.07 t/ha. The new variety was characterized by larger seeds, thousand-seed weight during the trials years was 3.09 g, while the standard was 2.77 g. The duration of the growing season and the protein content of the seeds were at the level of the standard. The content of glucosinolates in seeds of the new variety differed from the standard insignificantly. In terms of morphobiological traits, the variety Balance was characterized by a lower plant height, but a higher number of lateral branches com-pared to the previous varieties. The onset of flowering and ripening were almost identical to the variety Viking-VNIIMK, and it did not differ from the standard in lodging resistance. Fusarium blight affection and the percentage of manifestation intensity of this dis-ease is lower by 3.5% compared to the variety Tavrion. The variety Balance is recommended for the cultivation for grain in the North-West, Central, Volga-Vyatka, Central Chernozem, North Caucasus, Middle Volga, Lower Volga, Ural, West Siberia, and East Siberia regions of the Russian Federation.

Genome-Wide Association Study of Phenylalanine Derived Glucosinolates in Brassica rapa.

Glucosinolates (GSLs) are sulfur-containing bioactive compounds usually present in Brassicaceae plants and are usually responsible for a pungent flavor and reduction of the nutritional values of seeds. Therefore, breeding rapeseed varieties with low GSL levels is an important breeding objective. Most GSLs in Brassica rapa are derived from methionine or tryptophan, but two are derived from phenylalanine, one directly (benzylGSL) and one after a round of chain elongation (phenethylGSL). In the present study, two phenylalanine (Phe)-derived GSLs (benzylGSL and phenethylGSL) were identified and quantified in seeds by liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. Levels of benzylGSL were low but differed among investigated low and high GSL genotypes. Levels of phenethylGSL (also known as 2-phenylethylGSL) were high but did not differ among GSL genotypes. Subsequently, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted using 159 B. rapa accessions to demarcate candidate regions underlying 43 and 59 QTNs associated with benzylGSL and phenethylGSL that were distributed on 10 chromosomes and 9 scaffolds, explaining 0.56% to 70.86% of phenotypic variations, respectively. Furthermore, we find that 15 and 18 known or novel candidate genes were identified for the biosynthesis of benzylGSL and phenethylGSL, including known regulators of GSL biosynthesis, such as BrMYB34, BrMYB51, BrMYB28, BrMYB29 and BrMYB122, and novel regulators or structural genes, such as BrMYB44/BrMYB77 and BrMYB60 for benzylGSL and BrCYP79B2 for phenethylGSL. Finally, we investigate the expression profiles of the biosynthetic genes for two Phe-derived GSLs by transcriptomic analysis. Our findings provide new insight into the complex machinery of Phe-derived GSLs in seeds of B. rapa and help to improve the quality of Brassicaceae plant breeding.

Высокопродуктивный сорт сурепицы яровой тип «000» Грация

The spring turnip rapeseed cultivar Gratsiya was developed at the Siberian experimental station – a branch of V.S. Pustovoit All-Russian Research Institute of Oil Crops by multiple individual and family selections from high-yielding, yellowseeded forms of the German cultivar Eldorado. In 2020, we isolated elite plant in the selection nursery by the main agronomic valuable traits: early maturity, high productivity, resistance to lodging, yellow seed color, low content of glucosinolates in the seeds and erucic acid in the oil. According to the results of three years competitive trials (2018–2020), 12 promising numbers with a growing season of 66–70 days were evaluated and a promising high-yielding number 31119 – the cultivar of type “000” Gratsiya was isolated. The cultivar of spring turnip rapeseed Gratsiya exceeded the standard cultivar Pobeda in seed yield by 0.21 t/ha and in oil yield by 0.08 t/ha. By the main agronomic traits, the cultivar Gratsiya differs from the standard one in lower content of glucosinolates in seeds (14.6 µmol/g) and erucic acid in oil (0.43 %). Seedlings are green, without wax coating, the plant is semi-dense, medium-branched, plant height of 120– 135 cm. The fruit is a pod, 5–7 cm long. Seeds are yellow, with an addition of brown – up to 2 %. Thousand-seed weight is 2.5–2.8 g. It is moderately drought-resistant, has uniform ripening, is suitable for mechanical harvesting, and is recommended for cultivation throughout the Russian Federation because of its early maturity.

Comparative transcriptomic analyses of glucosinolate metabolic genes during the formation of Chinese kale seeds

BackgroundTo understand the mechanism of glucosinolates (GSs) accumulation in the specific organs, combined analysis of physiological change and transcriptome sequencing were applied in the current study. Taking Chinese kale as material, seeds and silique walls were divided into different stages based on the development of the embryo in seeds and then subjected to GS analysis and transcriptome sequencing.ResultsThe main GS in seeds of Chinese kale were glucoiberin and gluconapin and their content changed with the development of the seed. During the transition of the embryo from torpedo- to the early cotyledonary-embryo stage, the accumulation of GS in the seed was accompanied by the salient decline of GS in the corresponding silique wall. Thus, the seed and corresponding silique wall at these two stages were subjected to transcriptomic sequencing analysis. 135 genes related to GS metabolism were identified, of which 24 genes were transcription factors, 81 genes were related to biosynthetic pathway, 25 genes encoded catabolic enzymes, and 5 genes matched with transporters. The expression of GS biosynthetic genes was detected both in seeds and silique walls. The high expression of FMOGS-OX and AOP2, which is related to the production of gluconapin by side modification, was noted in seeds at both stages. Interestingly, the expression of GS biosynthetic genes was higher in the silique wall compared with that in the seed albeit lower content of GS existed in the silique wall than in the seed. Combined with the higher expression of transporter genes GTRs in silique walls than in seeds, it was proposed that the transportation of GS from the silique wall to the seed is an important source for seed GS accumulation. In addition, genes related to GS degradation expressed abundantly in the seed at the early cotyledonary-embryo stage indicating its potential role in balancing seed GS content.ConclusionsTwo stages including the torpedo-embryo and the early cotyledonary-embryo stage were identified as crucial in GS accumulation during seed development. Moreover, we confirmed the transportation of GS from the silique wall to the seed and proposed possible sidechain modification of GS biosynthesis may exist during seed formation.

НОВЫЙ СОРТ ЯРОВОГО РАПСА ВЕЛЕС

The results of breeding a promising variety of spring rapeseed 'Veles' are presented. The variety was created using chemical mutagenesis. The seeds of the 'Vikros' variety were treated with ethylmethanesul-fonate at a concentration of 0.03%, followed by the selection of lines characterized by early maturity, re-sistance to lodging, and improved biochemical composition of the seeds. The line № 834-16 is distin-guished by the accelerated development, the changed architectonics of the plant. The growth of lateral shoots begins from the base of the main shoot, the lower internodes are shortened, which increases the resistance of plants to lodging. Side shoots of the first order begin to bloom almost simultaneously with the main shoot. Flowering and maturation of seeds on shoots of different orders takes place simultaneous-ly with the central one, which contributes to the friendly maturation and equalization of the obtained seeds. Seeds are characterized by an increased fat content, contain less fiber. The content of crude fat va-ries from 47.4 to 48.8%, crude protein — 19.7–24.4%, crude fiber — 6.52–7.62%. In the composition of fatty acids, the content of valuable oleic acid is 7.15% higher than of standard. The average seed yield for 3 years of testing is 3.28 t/ha, which is 0.64 t/ha higher than the standard. The line was transferred to the State Commission for Variety Testing and Protection of Breeding Achievements under the name 'Veles'. The variety is resistant to lodging. Guarantees the production of 28–32 t/ha of green mass with a yield of up to 6 t/ha of dry matter. The low content of glucosinolates in seeds (11.6–13.9 mmol/g) will allow the use of seeds, cake and meal when feeding animals in high doses. The variety is approved for use from 2021 in 4 regions of the Russian Federation: North-West, Central, Ural and West Siberian.

Новый сорт рапса ярового Сибиряк 60

In 2020, we submitted the spring rapeseed variety Sibiryak 60 bred at the Siberian Experimental Station (branch of V.S. Pustovoit All-Russian Research Institute of Oil Crops) to the State Commission of the Russian Federation on testing and protection of the selection achievements. We developed the variety by the method of multiple individual-family selection from the variety Avangard (All-Russian Research Institute of Rapeseed, Lipetsk). In 2012, there was identified an elite plant and further breeding work was carried out to improve the main economic traits: early maturity, productivity, oil content, resistance to lodging, seed falling and to the main pathogens. The general characteristics of the variety are high seed productivity and low content of glucosinolates in seeds. According to the results of the competitive variety trial (2018–2020), the spring rapeseed variety Sibiryak 60 exceeded the standard variety Granit in seed yield by 0.29 t/ha and in oil yield by 0.12 t/ha. In the conditions of the Krasnodar region, the variety Sibiryak 60 exceeded the standard variety Granit in seed yield by 0.31 t/ha, in the conditions of the Lipetsk region – by 0.30 t/ha. The new variety is meant to for cultivation for seeds in the Volgo-Vyatka (4), Middle Volga (7), Ural (9), West Siberian (10), and East Siberian (11) regions. The originator of the variety Sibiryak 60 is V.S. Pustovoit All-Russian Research Institute of Oil Crops.

GTR1 and GTR2 transporters differentially regulate tissue-specific glucosinolate contents and defence responses in the oilseed crop Brassica juncea.

GTR1 and GTR2 transporters are components of the source to sink translocation network of glucosinolates, which are major defence metabolites in the Brassicaceae. These transporters can be genetically manipulated for reduction of seed-glucosinolates without inhibiting glucosinolate biosynthesis, thereby maintaining the inherent defence potential of plants. However, the different roles of GTRs in influencing tissue-specific distribution of glucosinolates in agriculturally important Brassica crops are yet unknown. Here, we report functional characterization of two groups of glucosinolate transporters (GTR1 and GTR2) from Brassica juncea based on gene expression data, biochemical analysis, gene-complementation studies in GTR-deficient mutants and RNAi-based knockdown followed by insect feeding experiments. Although both GTRs showed ubiquitous expression patterns and broad substrate specificity, the single-gene knockdown lines displayed different phenotypes. The GTR2-knockdown plants showed a significant reduction of glucosinolates in seeds and a higher accumulation in leaves and pods, while the GTR1-knockdown plants displayed a smaller reduction of glucosinolates in seeds and significantly lower glucosinolate levels in leaves. Consequently, knockdown of GTR2 resulted in higher resistance towards the generalist pest, Spodoptera litura. Overall, our study highlights the distinctive roles of B. juncea GTRs in tissue-specific accumulation of glucosinolates and the potential for manipulating GTR2 for enhanced nutrition and plant defence.

Anti-nutritional substances (GSL) in winter oilseed rape depending on the biostimulators used

ABSTRACT In modern agriculture, plant-derived substances referred to as plant growth and development regulators or biostimulators are increasingly used. The aim of the research was the influence of the applied biostimulators on the concentration of glucosinolates in seeds of three morphotypes of winter oilseed rape. The research was carried out in three growing seasons at the University of Natural Sciences and Humanities in Siedlce (52o03'N i 22o33'E), Poland. The examined factors were: morphotypes of winter oilseed rape: hybrid restored with a traditional type of growth (Konkret), population (Poznaniak), hybrid restored with a semi-dwarf type of growth (PX104), II-four types of biostimulators: 1. Asahi®SL, 2. Silvit®, 3. Tytanit®, 4. control variant. The applied biostimulators had a positive effect on the feed value of the seeds in terms of glucosinolates. In all varieties and years of research, the lowest concentration of these compounds was recorded after the application of the Silvit biostimulator, while in the first year of research after the application of Silvit and in the second year after the application of Tytanit and Asahi SL biostimulators, the same content of these compounds was obtained.

Сурепица озимая — значение, использование в кормопроизводстве

Presents literature review on the value of biological characteristics, the use of winter turnip rape (Brassica campestris fr. biennis). Brassica campestris fr. biennis is inferior to winter rapeseed in seed productivity, but due to the lower location of the growth point in autumn, it has a potential resistance to freezing. Pods of winter turnip rape, unlike rapeseed, do not crack under adverse weather conditions of harvesting and overstocking on the root. Seed production of winter turnip rape is 1.5–2 times higher than spring. It is characterized by a shorter (10–20 days) growing season compared to winter rapeseed. It requires a smaller amount of effective temperatures in the autumn period, so it is sown 1–2 weeks later than winter rapeseed. Winter turnip rape is the earliest forage crop. It is used in multicomponent mixtures with triticale and vetch for green food. Early harvesting allows you to thoroughly prepare the soil for intermediate and subsequent crops in the crop rotation. As a part of the mixture, it can form more than 32 t/ha of green mass with an output of up to 7 t/ha of dry matter, or up to 5900 feed units and 0.7–1.1 t/ha of raw protein. The preparation of silage feed from winter turnip rape provides high-energy feed with an exchange energy content of 10.51 MJ/kg of dry matter. Both in pure form and in a mixture allow creating a green feed conveyor. It is good honey plant. Seeds and meal of turnip rape have a higher feed value due to the low content of fiber, lignin, glucosinolates and other undesirable substances in them and can be successfully used to compound feeds with protein. The grade of winter turnip rape 'Zarya', created in the Federal Williams Research Center of Forage Production and Agroecology is used for forage and sideration purposes both in the main and in intermediate sowing. The variety is intended for use on seeds for the production of oil for both food and technical purposes, as well as for use in the green raw material conveyor. The seeds contain 23.8 ± 2% crude protein and 43.9 ± 2.3% crude fat. It is characterized by the absence of erucic acid in the oil, the content of crude fiber in the seeds is 6.41 ± 1.54%. The average content of glucosinolates in seeds is 13.2 mmol/gram. The proportion of essential amino acids in fat-free matter of seeds of winter turnip rape dawn is 46.6–50.1%, of crude protein 37.6 to 40.1%. The amino acid index (the ratio of essential amino acids to non-essential ones) is quite high: 0.8–0.9.

MGWAS Uncovers Gln-Glucosinolate Seed-Specific Interaction and its Role in Metabolic Homeostasis.

Gln is a key player in plant metabolism. It is one of the major free amino acids that is transported into the developing seed and is central for nitrogen metabolism. However, Gln natural variation and its regulation and interaction with other metabolic processes in seeds remain poorly understood. To investigate the latter, we performed a metabolic genome-wide association study (mGWAS) of Gln-related traits measured from the dry seeds of the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) diversity panel using all potential ratios between Gln and the other members of the Glu family as traits. This semicombinatorial approach yielded multiple candidate genes that, upon further analysis, revealed an unexpected association between the aliphatic glucosinolates (GLS) and the Gln-related traits. This finding was confirmed by an independent quantitative trait loci mapping and statistical analysis of the relationships between the Gln-related traits and the presence of specific GLS in seeds. Moreover, an analysis of Arabidopsis mutants lacking GLS showed an extensive seed-specific impact on Gln levels and composition that manifested early in seed development. The elimination of GLS in seeds was associated with a large effect on seed nitrogen and sulfur homeostasis, which conceivably led to the Gln response. This finding indicates that both Gln and GLS play key roles in shaping the seed metabolic homeostasis. It also implies that select secondary metabolites might have key functions in primary seed metabolism. Finally, our study shows that an mGWAS performed on dry seeds can uncover key metabolic interactions that occur early in seed development.

The Effect of Fertilization with Sulphur, Boron, and Amino Acids on the Content of Glucosinolate in Winter Rape Seeds

The study was carried out in 2016–2019 at the Zawady Agricultural Experimental Station (52°03’ N and 22°33’ E) belonging to the University of Natural Sciences and Humanities in Siedlce, in Poland. The field experiment was established in a split-plot design with three replicates. The studied factors were: I. Three winter rape morphotypes: population morphotype (Monolit variety); restored morphotype with traditional growth type (PT248 variety); restored morphotype with a semi-dwarf growth type (PX115 variety); II. Types of foliar nutrition: (1) control variant—sprayed with water, without foliar nutrition and amino acids; (2) biostimulant Aminoplant; (3) foliar fertilizer Siarkomag + foliar fertilizer Bormax; (4) foliar fertilizer Siarkomag + foliar fertilizer Bormax + biostimulant Aminoplant. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of foliar application of sulphur, boron, and amino acids on the content of glucosinolates in seeds of three winter rape morphotypes (Monolit, PX115, and PT248). The foliar feeding applied reduced the feed value of winter rape seeds. On treatments (2, 4), where only amino acids were used or in addition in combination with sulphur and boron, the increase in glucosinolate concentration (GLS) was the largest. Regardless of the type of foliar fertilization used, the Monolit variety contained the lowest concentration of these compounds. The content of glucosinolates in rapeseeds of the studied cultivars varied during the years of the experiment. Studies have shown that the value of this feature increased with the growth of water stress occurring before harvest.

Breeding of spring turnip rape in the Western Siberia

The territory of the Western Siberia is very suitable for cultivation of cruciferous oil crops (rapeseed and turnip rape) by its biological-climatic potential and soil conditions. Oil crops are widely used for human nutrition, feeding of animals, in any industries and building industry, medicine and perfumery. These crops oil contains many unsaturated fatty acids (oleic, linoleic, linolenic) which are essential in human nutrition. The main task of turnip rape breeding is productivity increase; much attention is paid to oil increase in seeds and improvements of oil quality (low content of glucosinolates in seeds and erucic acid absence in oil). We presented brief characteristics of released turnip rape varieties: productivity (seed yield, oil content and oil yield) and fatty acid composition of oil. The created varieties are differed with their high adaptability to severe Siberian conditions and resistance to the main bio- and abiofactors of environments.

QTL Mapping of Seed Glucosinolate Content Responsible for Environment in Brassica napus.

Glucosinolates (GSLs) are a major class of secondary metabolites. The content of seed GSL is largely regulated by environments in rapeseed (Brassica napus). However, the genetic control of seed GSL content responsible for environment in B. napus has been poorly understood. In the current study, a doubled haploid (DH) population from a cross between winter and semi-winter lines of rapeseed was grown in two distinct eco-environments, Germany and China, to evaluate the eco-environment effect and dissect the quantitative trait loci (QTL) responsible for environment for seed GSL in rapeseed. The deviation value of GSL content between eco-environments (GSLE) was calculated for each line in the DH population and the QTLs for GSLE were detected. GSLE ranged from −46.90 to 36.13 μmol g−1 meal in the DH population, suggesting the prominent eco-environmental effects for seed GSL in rapeseed. Four QTLs for GSLE were identified on chromosomes A04, A06, and A09 explaining 4.70∼9.93% of the phenotypic variation. Comparison of QTLs of seed GSL content between different eco-environments found three QTLs for GSL on A02 from 37.6 to 45.4 cM, A04 from 0 to 17.2 cM, and A09 from 67.0 to 98.6 cM exhibited significant difference of QTL effect between the German and Chinese eco-environments (P < 0.01), indicating the environment sensibility of these loci on seed GSL content. Moreover, flowering time (FT), an important environment adaptation trait in plant, was also investigated in this study. Comparative QTL analysis among GSLE, GSL, and FT revealed that three regions on chromosomes A02, A04, and A09 not only exhibited significant differences in QTL effect between Germany and China, but also co-located with the QTL intervals of GSLE and FT. Our results revealed that most of the GSL loci can influence GSL accumulation under different eco-environments, whereas the three QTL intervals on A02, A04, and A09 might be sensitive to the eco-environments for seed GSL content.

Identification of Candidate Genes for Seed Glucosinolate Content of Rapeseed by Using Genome-wide Association Mapping and Co-expression Networks Analysis

Identification of Candidate Genes for Seed Glucosinolate Content of Rapeseed by Using Genome-wide Association Mapping and Co-expression Networks Analysis

New winter oilseed rape varieties – seed quality and morphological traits depending on sowing date and rate

Many studies have focused on research about impact of time and density of sowing on the agronomic characteristics of different crops. However, the number of studies investigating such a response on the qualitative composition of different types of winter oilseed rape varieties is still limited. The aim of the research was to determine the effect of sowing date and density on yield, protein and oil content and quality of winter oilseed rape varieties: open-pollinated, a typical hybrid of traditional type of growth and a new semi-dwarf hybrid, which biology and yielding have not been thoroughly established. This experiment was conducted applying four sowing dates (August 14, August 25, September 4, September 15), three winter oilseed rape cultivars (PR45D03 -semi-dwarf hybrid, PR46W31 – hybrid, Californium – open-pollinated) and four sowing rates (30, 40, 50, 60 seeds/m2). Among the compared sowing dates, August 25 proved to be optimal for yielding of the tested winter oilseed rape cultivars. Semi-dwarf variety contained less protein and glucosinolate in seeds, but more oil in comparison to other studied varieties (hybrid and open-pollinated). The yields did not differ significantly within a density of 40, 50, 60 seeds/m2, so it is important result, especially for the agricultural practice.

Identification of Glucosinolates in Seeds of Three Brassicaceae Species Known to Hyperaccumulate Heavy Metals.

Plants from the Brassicaceae family are known to contain secondary metabolites called glucosinolates. Our goal was to establish by LC/MS the glucosinolate profile of seeds of three Brassicaceae species known to hyperaccumulate heavy metals. We investigated Alyssum fallacinum auct. non Hausskn., Iberis intermedia Guers., and Noccaea caerulescens (J. Presl & C. Presl) F. K. Mey. Our results indicate that A.fallacinum seeds contain glucoiberin and glucoibervirin, which had not been previously identified in this plant. Furthermore, we report for the first time the presence of glucoiberin, glucoibervirin, glucotropaeolin, and sinigrin in I.intermedia. We have detected for the first time glucoconringiin in N.caerulescens. In addition, glucosinalbin, 4-hydroxyglucobrassicin, and glucomoringin were also detected.

Glucosinolates in seeds, sprouts and seedlings of cabbage and black radish as sources of bioactive compounds

Sarıkamış, G., Yıldırım, A. and Alkan, D. 2015. Glucosinolates in seeds, sprouts and seedlings of cabbage and black radish as sources of bioactive compounds. Can. J. Plant Sci. 95: 681–687. The glucosinolate content of seeds, sprouts and seedlings of white head cabbage and black radish were analyzed in order to determine changes in aliphatic and indole glucosinolates during seed germination and early seedling growth. Both species with distinct glucosinolate profiles exhibited higher levels of aliphatics and to a much lesser extent indoles. Glucosinolate content decreased in germinating seeds and seedlings upon imbibition, followed by a slight increase after 48 h of germination. Total glucosinolates were highest in young seedlings at true leaf stage compared with seeds and sprouts in both species. The findings of the present study demonstrate changes in glucosinolates from seed to sprout and seedling during germination and early seedling growth as a particularly prominent factor in maximizing the concentration of the bioactive compounds available for improved health benefits.

Integration of Biosynthesis and Long-Distance Transport Establish Organ-Specific Glucosinolate Profiles in VegetativeArabidopsis

Although it is essential for plant survival to synthesize and transport defense compounds, little is known about the coordination of these processes. Here, we investigate the above- and belowground source-sink relationship of the defense compounds glucosinolates in vegetative Arabidopsis thaliana. In vivo feeding experiments demonstrate that the glucosinolate transporters1 and 2 (GTR1 and GTR2), which are essential for accumulation of glucosinolates in seeds, are likely to also be involved in bidirectional distribution of glucosinolates between the roots and rosettes, indicating phloem and xylem as their transport pathways. Grafting of wild-type, biosynthetic, and transport mutants show that both the rosette and roots are able to synthesize aliphatic and indole glucosinolates. While rosettes constitute the major source and storage site for short-chained aliphatic glucosinolates, long-chained aliphatic glucosinolates are synthesized both in roots and rosettes with roots as the major storage site. Our grafting experiments thus indicate that in vegetative Arabidopsis, GTR1 and GTR2 are involved in bidirectional long-distance transport of aliphatic but not indole glucosinolates. Our data further suggest that the distinct rosette and root glucosinolate profiles in Arabidopsis are shaped by long-distance transport and spatially separated biosynthesis, suggesting that integration of these processes is critical for plant fitness in complex natural environments.

Selecting Sprouts of Brassicaceae for Optimum Phytochemical Composition

Cruciferous foods (Brassicaceae spp.) are rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds. Edible sprouts are becoming popular fresh foods and, therefore, the phytochemical profiling of nine varieties of Brassicaceae (broccoli, kohlrabi, red cabbage, rutabaga, turnip, turnip greens, radish, garden cress, and white mustard) was evaluated for this purpose. The glucosinolates in seeds were significantly higher than in sprouts, and day 8 of germination was considered the optimum for consumption. The sprouts with higher concentrations of glucosinolates in 8-day-old sprouts were white mustard, turnip, and kohlrabi (∼815, ∼766, and ∼653 mg 100 g⁻¹ FW, respectively). Red cabbage and radish presented great total glucosinolates content (∼516 and ∼297 mg 100 g⁻¹ FW, respectively, in 8-day-old sprouts) and also higher total phenolic contents, biomass, and antioxidant capacity. The selection of the best performers in terms of germination quality and phytochemical composition is the key to optimize new fresh foods enriched in health-bioactive compounds. Further research on the bioavailability of the bioactive compounds in Brassica foods will allow backing of recommendations for dietarily effective dosages for nutrition and health.

NRT/PTR transporters are essential for translocation of glucosinolate defence compounds to seeds

In plants, transport processes are important for the reallocation of defence compounds to protect tissues of high value, as demonstrated in the plant model Arabidopsis, in which the major defence compounds, glucosinolates, are translocated to seeds on maturation. The molecular basis for long-distance transport of glucosinolates and other defence compounds, however, remains unknown. Here we identify and characterize two members of the nitrate/peptide transporter family, GTR1 and GTR2, as high-affinity, proton-dependent glucosinolate-specific transporters. The gtr1 gtr2 double mutant did not accumulate glucosinolates in seeds and had more than tenfold over-accumulation in source tissues such as leaves and silique walls, indicating that both plasma membrane-localized transporters are essential for long-distance transport of glucosinolates. We propose that GTR1 and GTR2 control the loading of glucosinolates from the apoplasm into the phloem. Identification of the glucosinolate transporters has agricultural potential as a means to control allocation of defence compounds in a tissue-specific manner.